49 Days Later, Essentia Deer River Workers End Strike with Essentia Health

DULUTH, Minn.  — A 49-day strike ended Sunday between Essentia Health and 70 employees at its Deer River Hospital.

On Sunday evening, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which represents the Deer River workers, said Essentia “significantly” improved its latest offer compared to the original offer before the strike began.

SEIU said the agreement includes a 12 percent raise over three years.

If Essentia hires a new employee at a higher wage compared to a current employee doing similar work, that worker will have their rate adjusted.

And among other terms, workers will get increased bonuses for returning to work less than 10 hours between shifts.

Essentia Health released a statement Sunday to FOX 21.  It reads in part:

“We recognize these were difficult negotiations that highlighted the many challenges facing rural health care. At Essentia, we have a responsibility to negotiate contracts that are fair and equitable while also ensuring access to expert care in the communities we serve. We are grateful for the many contributions of these team members, who help us fulfill our mission of making a healthy difference in people’s lives every day.”